Certain tricks and techniques have worked for me through the years and others have not. We change and so does technology. I often think I have something figured out in the way of gear, nutrition, sleep, physical ability, and mental strength but there is always more to learn. I am willing to try something different or take a new approach even on things that have worked just fine for me in the past. Learning by experience and trial and error is just who I am.

This year was no different than the rest. I learned a lot. That being said I am often reminded and re-learn some of the same things every year, and other things I just build upon. Making the decision to do an individual time trial on the Tour Divide this year (with a record setting goal) two months before my actual departure date was a real challenge. (continued)

I glanced back, squinting into the blinding snow, to make sure Bill was still riding behind me. The snow was getting heavier and visibility was much worse than when we had started earlier that day. But there he was, right on my tail with the biggest grin on his face. The riding was wonderfully quiet with a fresh two inches on the ground and piling fast. “This is awesome”, I heard him say, as my Surly Nates made fresh tracks. I couldn’t help but laugh. I was a little more concerned than he was about the amount of falling snow, the decreased visibility, the traffic, now reduced to one lane, and the 32 remaining miles we needed to ride that day; 14 of which would be a dirt road with mystery conditions straight into the mountains…

Flotation bikes or “fat bikes” are becoming more and more popular, and for winter touring it’s the perfect bike. The Mukluk that I used performed great. I felt very comfortable with the wide tires on snowy and icy roads, as well as in deeper snow, and the bike was very comfortable to both load and ride, and yes, push. It does takes some practice to get the tire pressure just right and to get a sense for conditions and how the bike slides, and thus when to add or subtract pressure to the front or back fatties. Winter isn’t just for commuting anymore. Touring on a fat bike may not get you there super fast, but it’s super fun!

Here are some thoughts that I had for winter touring after my trip: (continued)